MINUTES OF THE GRADUATE COMMITTEE
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO
5241 N. Maple, M/S TA 43
Fresno, California 93740-8027
Office of the Academic Senate Ext. 8-2743
November 18, 2014
Members Present:
M. Wilson (Chair), S. Witte, A. Nambiar, D. Vera, S. Tracz, M.
Lopez, R. Reza
Members Excused:
P. Trueblood
Guests:
Dr. James Marshall
The meeting was called to order by Chair Wilson at 2:04 p.m. in Thomas #117.
1.
Minutes.
MSC to approve with minor edits the minutes of
10/28/2014.
2.
Agenda.
MSC to approve the Agenda as amended to show the
addition of a discussion of program review policies for
programs with external accreditation processes.
3.
Communications and Announcements.
a.
d.
Dean Witte announced that paperwork for the filling of the vacant
staff position in the DGS has been submitted to HR. Once these
materials are processed through e-Recruit and approved, the top
candidate will receive the offer. The candidate is likely to accept the
offer.
Chair Wilson updated members on upcoming agenda items:
i.
ii.
4.
The second reading of the proposal for the web-based
Certificate of Advanced Study in Community & Regional
Planning is scheduled for November 25;
Discussion of the Viticulture and Enology pilot MS is
tentatively scheduled for December 2.
Discussion of WASC requirements for Meaning, Quality and Integrity of
Master’s programs
a.
Dr. Marshall recapped for members the history of the WASC
request for the inclusion in our university self-study of a
university-wide statement regarding the meaning, quality, and
integrity of Master’s programs at Fresno State. Although in the
Graduate Committee Meeting
November 18, 2014
Page 2
past two years the university was developed institutional-level
learning outcomes for all undergraduate programs, no similar
effort has yet been made for post-baccalaureate, master’s, or
doctoral programs. We are tasked with developing this statement
(and, if needed, related policies).
b.
5.
Program review policy for programs with external accreditation processes
a.
6.
Discussion of the meaning of the three core terms to consider
followed. While we have in place several ways to define and
measure our programs’ quality and integrity, we need to link those
to the “meaning” of graduate degrees at our institution, that is,
what makes our degrees unique. Committee members considered
the possibility of developing institution-wide learning outcomes at
the graduate level, as well as various alternative approaches.
Attention was given particularly to developing a statement of
“meaning” focusing on our graduate programs’ community focus,
practical student engagement, and the transformational nature of
graduate study at Fresno State. Dr. Nambiar pointed out the need
for a student and alumni survey to help us ascertain what, in their
minds, makes our graduate experience unique. Dr. Lopez added
that a similar survey for graduate faculty might also be helpful in
this area.
Dean Witte re-capped for committee members the history of this
issue. The UGC decided that programs with external accreditation
processes must nevertheless fulfill internal program review
requirements. However, we have yet to decide which parts of the
internal review process must be added if not already part of the
accrediting process. Vice-provost Dennis Nef has suggested that
each program identify and submit as addendum the “missing”
review parts. Chair Wilson pointed out an unresolved problem,
that is, that such added parts would not have actually been
subject to review. The question of who will review these parts and
make a recommendation to the UGC therefore remains. Further
discussion of this issue has been added to our agenda for next
semester.
MSC: to adjourn at 2:53 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting of the Graduate Committee is Tuesday, December
9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Thomas 117.
Agenda:
Graduate Committee Meeting
November 18, 2014
Page 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Approval of the Minutes of 11/18/14.
Approval of the Agenda.
Communications and Announcement
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Community and Regional
Planning: 2nd Reading
WASC Gradate Degree program meaning, quality, and integrity discussion:
Next Steps